Board of Education faces discrimination suit

February 20, 2009 3:12:04 PM PST

February 20, 2009 --

The Department of Justice has filed a lawsuit against the Chicago Board of Education for allegedly discriminating against a pregnant teacher.The suit claims that Traci Meziere was demoted after asking to take a maternity leave. She had been a full-time substitute teacher at Norwood Park elementary school. The suit says the school board denied Meziere's leave, cut her pay and benefits, and took away her seniority.

The complaint was filed under the 1964 civil rights act that prohibits discrimination in the workplace based on race or sex.

ABC7 Chicago was unable to get a response to the lawsuit from the Chicago Board of Education.